Similar to F-15, China’s J-16 fighter jet has been known for its heavy payloads. However, a model of a fully-loaded J-16 still caused exclaims on the internet of China recently. This model is widely believed to be an official one and demonstrates J-16’s missile-mounting capability even higher than that of the F-15EX fighter.
According to the photo of this J-16 model, except for the wingtip hanging points, all the hanging points of the J-16 fighter used composite pylons, carrying 6 PL-10s close combat air-to-air missiles plus 16 PL-15 long-range air-to-air missiles, a total of 22 air-to-air missiles, which is considered the limit of today’s tactical fighters.
It was reported that the J-16 fighter is the most heavily loaded fighter in the Chinese Air Force, which can use 12 pylons and carry up to 12 tons of explosives in the beast mode, well-deserved the name of “bomb truck”.
Moreover, J-16 is equipped with a large active phased-array radar, which can target 8-10 targets at the same time, and the PL-15 has active guidance capability with a maximum range of more than 150 km. Therefore, after the start of a Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air combat, J-16 can preemptively launch 10 PL-15 air-to-air missiles, avoiding the situation where the maneuverability is reduced due to the mounting of too many air-to-air missiles.
The J-16’s superior mount capability is attributed to its two WS-10B turbofan engines developed by Shenyang Liming Engine Company, which is also used on J-10C fighters.
Compared with the J-20, although the J-16 does not have stealth performance and supersonic cruise capability, it has more heavy-duty attachment points and can carry at least six heavy missiles such as the YJ-91 anti-ship missiles, plus 6 air-to-air missiles, and is thus regarded as the best partner of J-20 fighter.
J-16 has been equipped to China’s western theater against India and was introduced to the Pakistan Air Force in a joint air combat exercise in 2019.
Photos of real J-16 fighter with missiles:
